Throughout her career, Sharon Stone hasn’t backed away from speaking her mind and standing for the ones in need, even if it meant her career taking a toll. And Gladiator Star Russell Crowe, who has cemented himself as one of the most skillful performers of our time, owes his Hollywood career to the Basic instinct Star.
Hollywood hasn’t been always fair to Stone, but that didn’t stop her from helping the ones in need, including a young Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio. But helping the two cost the actress her job, as she had to face an 8-year ban.
Sharon Stone Fought Studio to Get Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio on Board
Backed by TriStar Pictures and co-producer by Sharon Stone, The Quick and the Dead hit theatres back in 1995, and scored decent among fans and critics. However, the production of the American revisionist Western was far from smooth, as the studios repeatedly clashed with the Basic Instinct Star behind the scenes. Considering Stone was adamant about bringing a young Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, who was unknown to the American audience, the studios weren’t on board with Stone’s idea.
Eventually, she did come to terms with the studios, getting Crowe, DiCaprio, and even managed to get Sam Raimi behind the lens, but it did result in her getting an 8-year ban from that studio.
“I had so much resistance on [The Quick and the Dead],” Stone said. “I wanted Leo DiCaprio: ‘Pay him out of your own money.’ I wanted Russell Crowe: ‘Why do you want this guy who has only played a skinhead before?’ I wanted Sam Raimi to direct: ‘Sharon, why do you always shoot yourself in the foot?’ They banned me from the studio for eight years after that.”
This is one of the several instances when Hollywood did the actress dirty, and she was even made to pay DiCaprio from her own pocket, in order to ensure that he gets the job.
Russell Crowe Remains Grateful to Sharon Stone
Not long after his Hollywood debut, Russell Crowe soon climbed the ladder to success, earning a Best Actor accolade at the Oscars for his work on 2000’s Gladiator. And looking back at how it all started back in the mid-90s, The Nice Guy actor remains grateful to the Total Recall Star, for fighting an uphill battle with the studios.
“If it hadn’t been for her strength of conviction, I don’t know how long I would’ve had to wait to be able to shoot a movie in the United States,” Crowe said.
Despite being placed against a wall numerous times in her career, Sharon Stone has always bounced back, and her determination keeps on inspiring millions.
The Quick and the Dead is available to rent on Apple TV.
Source: Variety
